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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, due to the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly a man.

They have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.